Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

All you need are a few pantry staples to make these Honey Lemon Pepper Wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are perfect for game day or as an easy finger-licking dinner. With their delightful flavor and vibrant zest, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Wings
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
• Step 3: Arrange for Baking
• Step 4: Bake the Wings
• Step 5: Make the Sauce
• Step 6: Coat with Sauce
• How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• With Dipping Sauces
• On a Bed of Greens
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?
• Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
• What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• How long does it take to cook Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up on short notice.
• Crispy Texture: The combination of potato starch and baking powder ensures that each wing is perfectly crispy without frying.
• Flavor Explosion: The honey lemon pepper sauce adds a sweet, tangy kick that elevates these wings beyond the ordinary.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a potluck spread—these wings fit any occasion.
• Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy delicious wings in under an hour.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Honey Lemon Pepper Wings, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for cooking wings evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your dry ingredients and tossing the wings in sauce.

Ingredients

All you need are a few pantry staples to make these delicious honey lemon pepper wings. They’re so crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. These chicken wings are the perfect game-day appetizer or as an easy finger-licking dinner.

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons potato starch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• oil spray

For the Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• 1 lemon zested
• ¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-2 teaspoons ground pepper
• 1 pinch salt

How to Make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat the oven to 450°F. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel if they are moist.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Add the potato starch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the chicken wings. Toss well to coat every wing evenly.

Step 3: Arrange for Baking

Lightly spray some oil onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the coated chicken wings to the sheet pan in a single layer. Spray some more oil on top of the wings.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Decrease the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on their size). Flip them halfway through and spray with more oil again.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously and simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until well combined. Reserve some sauce for dipping if desired.

Step 6: Coat with Sauce

Once done baking, transfer the wings into a bowl. Toss them gently with the honey lemon pepper sauce until fully coated. Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Honey lemon pepper wings are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also serve as a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some delightful ways to serve them.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that complements the tangy flavor of the wings.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds a creamy texture and sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Extra Honey Lemon Sauce: Serve some extra sauce on the side for those who love an additional kick.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Place the wings on a bed of fresh mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw pairs well with the sticky wings, adding texture and flavor.

As Part of a Platter

• Buffalo Wings Variety Platter: Combine honey lemon pepper wings with other flavors like buffalo or garlic parmesan for variety.
• Vegetable Platter: Serve alongside cut veggies like carrots and celery for crunch.

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How to Perfect Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

To achieve the perfect honey lemon pepper wings, it’s essential to follow some key tips. These will help ensure your wings come out crispy and tasty every time.

• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Ensuring your chicken wings are dry before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use Baking Powder: This ingredient helps create that coveted crispy skin when baked in the oven.
• Flip Them Halfway: Turning your wings during cooking promotes even browning and crispiness on both sides.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of lemon juice or pepper based on your flavor preference.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your wings right after tossing them in sauce for the best texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

Pairing your honey lemon pepper wings with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite and complement the sweet and tangy wings perfectly.
2. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide a hearty side that matches well with chicken flavors.
3. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness offers a great balance with tangy wings.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness and is an excellent side for any wing dish.
5. Baked Beans: Their sweetness contrasts nicely with spicy chicken, creating a flavorful combination.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and richness next to crispy wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making honey lemon pepper wings is simple, but common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not drying the wings properly – Moist chicken wings will not crisp up in the oven. Always pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
• Skipping the baking powder – This ingredient is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Don’t omit it from your recipe!
• Overcrowding the baking sheet – Placing too many wings on one pan can lead to steaming rather than baking. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
• Ignoring the halfway flip – Flipping the wings ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all around. Don’t forget this step!
• Not tasting the sauce – Adjusting sweetness or acidity is essential. Taste as you prepare to get your desired flavor balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store honey lemon pepper wings in an airtight container.
• They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Place cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Honey Lemon Pepper Wings

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – For quick reheating, place wings on a microwave-safe plate and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the wings for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until hot and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making honey lemon pepper wings, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I make Honey Lemon Pepper Wings crispy?

To achieve crispy honey lemon pepper wings, ensure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning and use baking powder in your coating mix.

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding the seasonings.

What can I serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

These delicious wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

How long does it take to cook Honey Lemon Pepper Wings?

Cooking honey lemon pepper wings typically takes about 40 minutes at 425°F, depending on their size. Make sure to flip them halfway through!

Final Thoughts

Honey lemon pepper wings are not only tasty but also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize them by adjusting the sweetness or spiciness according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!